Ask a Physician Part II: Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Wednesday, February 12th 5:30-7pm. Click HERE to RSVP!

Preserving Cognitive Functions and Detecting When Symptoms Are More Than Normal Aging

Aging is a natural process that brings many unique challenges, especially regarding cognitive health.

While some memory lapses are expected as we age, it’s essential to distinguish when symptoms indicate something more than normal aging. 

The Kensington Sierra Madre is dedicated to preserving cognitive functions in older adults through specialized care, engaging activities, and a supportive community.

Learn about preserving cognitive function and monitoring your loved ones for signs of decline at our upcoming event.

Upcoming event: Preserving your cognitive function

RSVP today for our insightful event on Sept. 19th, at 6 p.m., “Brain and Body Wellness: Elements of Successful Aging.” 

The event aims to educate older adults and their families about the best practices for maintaining brain health. 

Gain valuable insights into the factors contributing to cognitive decline and offer practical strategies for staying mentally sharp. 

Attendees will learn about and discuss: 

  • Brain exercises
  • The importance of a balanced diet
  • The benefits of regular physical activity
  • The value of social engagement
  • The importance of avoiding harmful substances like drugs and alcohol 

This event will emphasize the proactive steps that can significantly preserve cognitive functions over time.

Strategies for protecting brain health

As we grow older, protecting our cognitive functions becomes increasingly important. 

There are several strategies that older adults can adopt to maintain and even improve their brain health.

Engaging in brain games

Activities like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and memory games challenge the brain and boost cognitive processes, improving memory and mental agility. 

Learning new skills or hobbies, such as playing an instrument or learning a language, also creates neural pathways crucial for cognitive health.

Maintaining a balanced diet

Diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. 

The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, is linked to better cognitive function and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.

Staying hydrated is also essential, as dehydration can negatively impact cognitive performance.

Regular physical exercise

Regular aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, increase blood flow to the brain and promote the growth of new neurons. 

Exercise enhances mood, reduces stress, and improves sleep, all of which are vital for maintaining cognitive health.

Incorporating balance and strength-training exercises for older adults can further enhance overall well-being and reduce the risk of falls.

Staying socially active

Social engagement is crucial for preserving cognitive functions. Regular interaction with others prevents loneliness and depression, reducing the risk of cognitive decline. 

Group activities, volunteering, and clubs offer meaningful connections and mental stimulation.

Avoiding harmful substances

Excessive alcohol consumption and drug use can lead to brain damage and increase the risk of dementia. 

Smoking is also detrimental as it reduces blood flow to the brain and contributes to cognitive decline. 

Older adults should be mindful of their medication use and consult with healthcare professionals to ensure they are not taking any substances that could negatively impact their brain health.

More than normal aging: recognizing signs of cognitive decline

While some cognitive changes are normal during aging, it’s important to recognize when they might indicate something more serious. 

Concerning signs of cognitive decline include:

  • Frequent memory loss that disrupts daily life, like forgetting important dates or asking the same questions repeatedly.
  • Difficulty planning or solving problems, such as following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
  • Confusion with time or place, like getting lost in familiar areas or forgetting the day or date.
  • Poor judgment or decision-making, such as mishandling finances or neglecting personal hygiene.
  • Withdrawal from social activities or losing interest in hobbies and favorite activities.

If these signs are present, they may indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia, where early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Memory care at The Kensington Sierra Madre: a unique approach

The Kensington Sierra Madre offers a specialized memory care program beyond traditional care models. 

The Kensington Club, Connections, and Haven—are designed to meet residents where they are in their cognitive journey, providing personalized care that respects their dignity and individuality.

The Kensington Club

For residents in the early stages of memory loss, The Kensington Club offers a supportive environment that focuses on enhancing cognitive functions through stimulating activities, social engagement, and gentle routines. 

Our program encourages residents to remain independent while receiving the care they need.

Connections

Our Connections neighborhood is tailored for residents experiencing moderate cognitive decline. 

This environment provides a higher level of support while encouraging social interaction and engagement in meaningful activities. 

Our care team works closely with residents to create a daily routine that balances structure and flexibility, promoting a sense of security and purpose.

Haven

Haven is designed for residents with advanced memory loss, providing a secure and comforting environment where they can receive the highest level of care. 

Our senior care team is specially trained to manage the complex needs of residents with advanced dementia, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being.

Frequently asked questions about cognitive decline

Here are some common questions to help distinguish between normal forgetfulness and what’s more than normal aging.

Q: How can you tell the difference between forgetfulness and dementia?

A: Normal forgetfulness often involves misplacing items or forgetting names but remembering them later.

Dementia causes more severe memory loss, such as forgetting familiar faces or repeating the same questions, and significantly interferes with daily life activities.

Q: What is considered normal forgetfulness?

A: Normal forgetfulness includes occasional lapses, such as forgetting where you put your keys, having trouble recalling a name, or missing an appointment but remembering it later.

Q: What are the abnormal signs of aging?

A: Abnormal signs of aging include consistent memory loss that disrupts daily activities, confusion with time or place, difficulty in solving problems or planning, and changes in mood or behavior that are out of character.

The Kensington Sierra Madre: compassionate, dignified care

At The Kensington Sierra Madre, our approach to memory care is rooted in our Kensington Promise—to love and care for your family as we do our own. 

This promise guides our care team’s commitment to providing compassionate, dignified care that honors each resident’s journey. 

We aim to create an environment where residents feel comfortable and safe while receiving specialized care at every stage of cognitive decline.

Discover exceptional memory care

If you or a loved one are facing the challenges of cognitive decline, The Kensington Sierra Madre is here to help. 

Our comprehensive memory care program offers more than just care; it provides a community where residents can thrive. 

Discover the benefits of our neighborhoods and see how our commitment to dignity, compassion, and personalized care sets us apart. 

Contact The Kensington Sierra Madre today to learn more about our memory care program and how we can support you and your family on this journey.

In the meantime, don’t forget to join us for our informative discussion on “Brain and Body Wellness: Elements of Successful Aging.”